Yes, Leslie Law Firm, LLC represents both men and women. We recognize that husbands and wives have different needs and goals.

Yes, if you and your spouse both agree that mediation is the best course, you should both visit our office to start the process. We may be able to resolve some or all of your issues at our first session.

Yes, it’s better to have an attorney at mediation or at least to have one retained, so you know what your rights are in reaching an agreement. The job of the mediator is not to inform you of your rights, or to advocate on your behalf, but to reach a deal.

The key difference between mediation and arbitration relates to the role of the neutral party. An arbitrator functions much like a judge, taking testimony, evaluating evidence and rendering a decision. A mediator is a facilitator, an intermediary between the parties who will draft an agreement but will not render judgment.

No, your marriage certificate is not needed. But you will need to know the date of the marriage, whether it was a civil or religious ceremony and the location of the ceremony.

Call us at 973-631-8002 or email our office at aleslie@www.leslielawfirm.com for an initial consultation.

Alimony decisions depend upon your individual circumstances, New Jersey statutory and case law factors. We will review them with you.

Alimony payments depend upon how long you were married and the income disparity between both parties. It also depends upon the health and age of both parties, the division of assets of both of you, and the absence of either one of you from the workforce.

Every case is different. If a child is nineteen and not attending full time school college, trade school or vocational school, then child support normally ends. If children are in full time study, then child support continues but may be modified or terminated, depending upon the circumstances.

Many cases rely upon New Jersey child support guidelines. It’s a scientific calculation which utilizes the parents’ incomes, the number of children and the general expenses of raising a child in New Jersey. Additional child support may also depend upon the individual child’s needs. (Alison was actually a member of the child support guidelines forum in 2009.)

If your spouse does not already know, we work with you to determine the best manner in which to inform your spouse. We will help you to prepare how to discuss this with your spouse.

We suggest that you not make any move until you come in to see us. We’ll discuss with you the financial impact upon you and your spouse as well as any potential impact on child custody and parenting time.